About Doug MataconisDoug holds a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May, 2010 and also writes at Below The Beltway.
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With all due respect to Jennings, who seems like a really nice guy (and, it goes without saying, very bright), the Dems were almost certainly not recruiting him because they thought he could beat Hatch. It was more likely they were looking for a upright, presentable candidate who would not embarrass them and not force them to dip into their financing coffers. So Jennings either had money of his own and could contribute significantly to his campaign, or they felt his celebrity would make it easier to raise money, maybe even money from non-traditional sources.